Cultural Barrier to Women Involvement in Gully Erosion Disaster Risk Reduction in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ecological problems are one of the many challenges bedeviling Nigeria. South Eastern Nigeria is beset by monumental gully erosion menace and coastal flooding. Over the years enormous efforts have been made in containing erosion and flooding; yet progress is tardy. Part of the problem lay in gender bias in policy formulation and implementation, yet women play pivotal roles in the economy of many households in Nigeria. These women are in direct contact with the environment and as such, they are most vulnerable to environmental problems, hazards, and risks. Culturally and economically, women are least resilient to deal with environmental and ecological hazards and disasters. This paper therefore seeks to investigate gender vulnerability to ecological disasters in Nigeria vis-à-vis National Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction: The methodology of study is multi stage sampling technique.  The design of study is socio-economic survey design. Data was collected using focus group discussion with women groups in the selected communities in 4 Local Government Areas in Anambra State. In depth studies were undertaken with most vulnerable groups especially those living within gully margins and close to river banks and those whose livelihoods are land based. Key informant interview were also used. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS software. Results obtained showed that women were never consulted in gully erosion and remediation projects from conceptualizations, planning, and implementation stages even when many of them suffer bereavement, loss of economic base, properties, and the greatest exposure to these ecological disasters. This paper advocates for women involvement in ecological disaster risk reduction in Nigeria.